Justice Department Announces Reward in Whistleblower Program

ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER

In July of 2013, the Justice Department announced a multi-million dollar settlement as part of the whistleblower rewards program. This whistleblower case involved allegations that a Michigan based cardiology group performed unnecessary heart procedures on patients. Specifically, it was alleged that doctors in the group ordered heart catheterizations for patients based on results from tests that were read improperly. After an investigation, the government found that most of the patients did not have significant heart blockages. The procedures performed on patients included snaking a hollow tube into the heart via an incision in the groin. Whistleblower and securities lawyers say that unnecessary medical procedures and Medicare fraud cost the government millions of dollars each year.

There are three tips that whistleblowers should keep in mind before taking action. First, if you are a whistleblower and have a potentially major case, do not go to the government first. Often government officials are unconcerned or incompetent. Second, do not contact the news media if you have a potential claim. Revealing your information to the public could wipe out your chances of getting a reward. Third, do not try to force any person or entity to confess to the government about their wrong doing. Fraud is common among government contractors, thus any suggestion of reporting to the government could result in harassment at work or termination. Whistleblower and securities lawyers say that you should contact a reputable attorney that will be able to assist you with the legal process involved in submitting whistleblower tips.

Medical doctors or hospital managers who have insider information regarding Medicare fraud can be important to help recoup taxpayer dollars. Whistleblower and securities lawyers encourage doctors and hospital managers with direct knowledge of Medicare fraud to step forward with information.

Any employee or insider who has proof that their employer or a private contractor is defrauding the federal government is encouraged to contact Evans Law Firm, Inc.

Evans Law Firm, Inc. handles Qui Tam (whistleblower/false claims), consumer fraud class actions, insurance and banking fraud, consumer product liability, elder abuse, and personal injury cases. If you think that you have witnessed or are the victim of financial fraud by an insurance company, bank or individual then, contact Evans Law Firm, Inc. at (415) 441-8669 for a free and confidential consultation, or email info@evanslaw.com.